Potluck Recipes for Any Summer Gathering

Easygoing summer get-togethers are a great way to connect with friends and family — especially when everyone pitches in. Hosting a summer potluck party is a fun way to get everyone involved in the meal planning, while also providing a medley of delectable bites. We’ve created three summer menus that are sure to be a hit, whether you’re hosting or attending as a guest.

When hosting a gathering for both kids and adults, you can create a fun menu that brings out the inner child in everyone. This family-friendly menu provides both fun and tasty bites that are also packed with nutrients.

Main Dish: Taco Pasta Salad

Kid-approved but with nostalgic appeal for adults, this Taco Pasta Salad brings the flavors of taco night to summer patios. Plus, it’s filled with delicious and nutritious vegetables with a zesty flavor that’ll keep all ages coming back for more.

Prep: 35 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 45 minutes

Serves: 8

Side Dish: Fruit Kebabs

Who doesn’t love a good fruit kebab? They’re easy to eat and piled high with tasty, fresh fruit. And they’re easy to make! On bamboo skewers, thread your favorite fruits, like banana slices, strawberries and blueberries, until you reach the end.

Dessert: Monster Cookie Dip

No dinner menu is complete without dessert. This fun Monster Cookie Dip will bring joy to both kids and adults with mini chocolate chips and mouthwatering flavor. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt until creamy. Stir in ½ cup quick oats, ½ cup mini chocolate-coated candies and 1 cup mini chocolate chips. Serve with pretzels.

From elegant dinner parties to backyard bonanzas, this menu’s got your grown-up taste buds covered!

Main Dish: Rosemary-Garlic Flank Steak

There’s no need to go to a steak house to enjoy a juicy and well-cooked steak. This Rosemary-Garlic Flank Steak is a simple yet flavorful way to impress a crowd in your own backyard. Tip: Marinate the steak ahead of time and bring it along to grill as your contribution to a potluck cookout.

Prep: 40 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 50 minutes

Serves: 4

Side Dish: Blue Cheese Broccoli Slaw

Step up your slaw game with this Blue Cheese Broccoli Slaw that puts an elevated spin on the classic recipe. In a large bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon each honey, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Toss with 1 package (10 oz.) broccoli slaw and 1 cup torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Top with ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles.

Dessert: Dessert Charcuterie

Adults need dessert too! You can easily put together a variety of sweet and salty treats with a Dessert Charcuterie. On a platter, arrange groupings of granola clusters, raspberries and blackberries, grapes, mini palmiers, mini brownies, and vanilla and honey almonds.

Dive into the ultimate summer experience with this laid-back and fresh menu that’ll keep the party going.

Main Dish: BLT Chicken Salad

This BLT Chicken Salad brings the flavors of your favorite sandwich poolside. Even better, it's light and packed with protein to keep you energized while swimming and enjoying the sun.

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Side Dish: Summer Snack Mix

No day at the pool is complete without snacks. You can easily mix up your own both adults and kids will enjoy with this easy Summer Snack Mix. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup each green pea crisps, wasabi peas, roasted cashews, cheddar fish-shaped crackers and green bean chips.

Dessert: Beach Ball Fruit Pizza

Cookies and fruit make an absolute delight with this Beach Ball Fruit Pizza that combines sweet premade sugar cookie dough with creamy fruit dip and fresh-cut fruit for a tasty poolside treat. Preheat oven to 350°F. Flatten 1 tube (16.5 oz.) cookie dough in greased 12-inch round pan. Bake 12–16 minutes; let cool. Spread 2 cups cream cheese fruit dip overtop, then use assorted fruits to create beach ball pattern.